The Humphrey School of Public Affairs is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards, who will be recognized at an awards celebration on September 18.
This year's awardees are Melanie Benjamin, former Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe; Joan Growe, who served as Minnesota’s Secretary of State for 24 years; Dave Kleis, longtime mayor of St. Cloud, Minnesota; and Denis McDonough, former White House Chief of Staff and Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
The awards were established in honor of the Humphrey School’s namesake, Hubert H. Humphrey, to recognize individuals who have contributed to the common good through leadership and service.
About the honorees
Melanie Benjamin is a nationally recognized leader in tribal governance who served more than 20 years as Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe before leaving office in 2024. A steadfast advocate for tribal sovereignty and self-determination, she has safeguarded the Band’s homelands and strengthened its voice at the local, state, and federal levels. Under her leadership, the Band diversified its economy by expanding its commercial enterprises beyond gaming and became east-central Minnesota’s largest employer. Benjamin has championed Native women in leadership and testified before Congress on critical issues including public safety, health, and infrastructure. Her legacy includes revitalizing the Ojibwe language, restoring tribal sovereignty, and building sustainable economic growth.
Joan Growe was Minnesota’s Secretary of State from 1975 to 1999, and is one of the longest-serving secretaries of state in U.S. history. A trailblazer for civic engagement, she led efforts to implement same-day voter registration and modernize voting systems, helping Minnesota achieve the nation’s highest voter turnout. Growe championed civic education and engagement, believing election officials should inform as well as administer. She broke barriers for women in government and mentored future leaders. Internationally, she observed elections in countries from South Africa to Yemen. A founding member of several civic organizations, Growe has received numerous honors recognizing her ongoing commitment to voting rights and leadership. She has left an enduring legacy in Minnesota and beyond.
Dave Kleis is the longest-serving mayor of St. Cloud, Minnesota, stepping down this year after leading the city for 20 years. A visionary leader and local historian, he guided St. Cloud through two decades of growth, civic pride, and global recognition, including honors as one of the world’s most livable cities. A U.S. Air Force veteran and former state senator, Kleis brought a deep commitment to public service and partnership. He received the C.C. Ludwig Leadership Award and was named one of Twin Cities Business’ “100 People to Know.” A strong advocate for community collaboration, he helped establish the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative and fostered strong international ties through St. Cloud’s sister city relationships.
Denis McDonough has championed effective governance and a commitment to excellence while serving at the highest levels of government. A native of Stillwater, Minnesota, he served as White House Chief of Staff under President Obama and as Secretary of Veterans Affairs under President Biden. Both presidents have described McDonough as a tireless problem solver with an innate understanding of how the government should work to improve the lives of everyday Americans. He received the Bob Basten Excellence in Leadership Award last year from his alma mater, St. John’s University in central Minnesota. Throughout his career, McDonough has advocated for veterans, led with integrity, and delivered results grounded in service, compassion, and a deep commitment to the public good.
These remarkable recipients join a prestigious list of honorees that includes Vice President Walter Mondale, pioneering scientist and community activist Reatha Clark King, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Friedman, retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justices Margaret Chutich and Alan Page, and polar explorers Will Steger and Ann Bancroft. See the list of previous award recipients.
“We are thrilled to honor these outstanding leaders whose work embodies the spirit of public service and community engagement championed by Hubert H. Humphrey,” said Nisha Botchwey, dean of the Humphrey School. “Their contributions have had a profound impact on our society, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements.”
The recipients will be honored at a gala event on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis. Proceeds support the Humphrey Public Leaders Fellowship fund.
Since its inception in 2003, the Hubert H. Humphrey Public Leadership Awards have recognized 84 recipients and raised more than $2 million for student scholarships.
